Nico Rosberg has continued his string of podium finishes at the start of the 2014 Formula 1 season by finishing today’s Chinese Grand Prix in second place.

Although the German driver seemed rather downbeat after finishing second to teammate Lewis Hamilton for the third successive race, it was a remarkable performance after he suffered a telemetry failure before the start. This meant that the team did not receive any data from the #6 car, requiring Rosberg to regularly radio in with information about fuel and tires.

To make matters worse, a poor start for Rosberg saw him drop down to seventh place at the end of the first lap, appearing to end his hopes of winning in China for the second time. However, he rallied to pass Nico Hulkenberg and Felipe Massa within the first few laps, before jumping Daniel Ricciardo at the first round of pit stops.

He then passed Vettel with a brave overtake for P3, and found a way past Alonso during the final stint of the race to secure second place.

It was quite a comeback from Rosberg, proving that the Mercedes W05 car can also race, not just lead from the front. However, he still appeared frustrated in the cool-down room after the race. “Tough race for you, then?” he sarcastically asked race winner Hamilton, who had crossed the line 18 seconds ahead of his teammate.

Even after just four races, it already appears that the race for the drivers’ championship is between the two Mercedes drivers. However, Hamilton – despite trailing Rosberg by four points – appears to be winning the psychological battle, having rattled the German driver during their battle for the win in Bahrain.

Rosberg will be hoping to bounce back at the Spanish Grand Prix in three weeks’ time, and although he lacks the momentum of Hamilton, he does have a car that is just as capable as that of his teammate.

If it wasn’t for bad luck Rosberg might not have any luck. He still drove a great race having to come back thru the field after the unscheduled tire change. Hammy had the better chassis set-up it would appear.